For the first time since leaving Earth, the Enterprise gets a specific assignment from Starfleet – to turn around and see why the Earth freighter Fortunate, capable of only warp 1, has been broadcasting a distress signal. When the Enterprise arrives, the Fortunate is in no shape to travel, having suffered a vicious attack by Nausicaans. The Fortunate’s captain is down for the count, and Dr. Phlox begins treating him. The first officer seems eager for Captain Archer and the crew to leave rather than seeking their help. T’Pol discovers a possible reason for the Nausicaans’ attack: the Fortunate’s crew is holding a Nausicaan hostage. Archer wants the freighter’s crew to return the hostage to his people, to give humans a better image in the eyes of other races as it steps into the stars. But there’s one catch – the freighter isn’t under Starfleet’s jurisdiction, and the ship’s first officer is out for revenge.
written by James Duff
directed by LeVar Burton
music by Dennis McCarthyCast: Scott Bakula (Captain Jonathan Archer), Jolene Blalock (Subcommander T’Pol), John Billingsley (Dr. Phlox), Dominic Keating (Lt. Malcolm Reed), Anthony Montgomery (Ensign Travis Mayweather), Linda Park (Ensign Hoshi Sato), Connor Trinneer (Commander Charles “Trip” Tucker III), Lawrence Monoson (Ryan Cross), Kieran Mulroney (Shaw), Vaughn Armstrong (Admiral Forrest), Danny Goldring (Nausicaan Captain), Charles Lucia (Captain Keene), D. Elliot Woods (Boy), Elyssa D. Vito (Girl)
Notes: Both Captain Archer and Ensign Mayweather identify the Enterprise as an “NX class” starship, and Mayweather mentions that there are more such ships under construction.
LogBook entry by Earl Green